At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our editorial team to assess research manuscripts and engage with the scientific community.
- Company: PLOS is a non-profit driving open science for meaningful change in research publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, private medical insurance, generous holidays, and a pension plan.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to make science accessible and impactful while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field and 2 years post-doctoral experience required; editorial experience is a plus.
- Other info: This is a fully remote position based in the UK, with opportunities for travel and networking.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 41000 £ per year.
This position is fully remote/home based. Applications will be accepted from candidates based in the UK. This is a 12 month FTC. For consideration, please send your CV and cover letter detailing your interest in the role.
PLOS is a non-profit organization on a mission to drive open science forward with measurable, meaningful change in research publishing, policy, and practice. We believe in a better future where science is open to all, for all.
Role Summary
PLOS Biology is looking for an enthusiastic life scientist to join our dedicated Editorial team as an Associate or Senior Editor, depending on experience. The position is available immediately and applications will be reviewed upon receipt. This is an intellectually stimulating position that calls for a keen interest in the practice and communication of science. As an integral member of the editorial team on this leading open-access biology journal, you will be responsible for recruiting and assessing research manuscripts, partnering with the Editorial Board of Academic Editors, handling peer review and commissioning articles for our Magazine section. We pride ourselves on providing a top-class service to authors thanks to direct engagement with our Editorial Board, reviewers and authors. A key aspect of the job is interaction with the scientific community, including attending international conferences and visiting research institutes. The successful candidate must therefore be dynamic and outgoing, be prepared to travel and have excellent interpersonal skills. As a PLOS Biology editor, you will work with the editorial team to think outside of the box, trouble-shoot and innovate when necessary to respond to the needs of the scientific community.
Responsibilities
- Handling research manuscripts submitted to the journal
- Commissioning articles for the Magazine section
- Undertaking lab visits and travelling to conferences to represent the journal and PLOS, and to recruit high-quality submissions to the journal
- Participating in writing of editorials, blog posts and other related materials
- Participating in the daily running of the journal, including all editorial projects and initiatives aligned with the goals of the journal
Qualifications And Experience
- A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline and at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience.
- Expertise in molecular cell biology is required, preferably in the context of plant science, and a keen interest in/knowledge of applied plant research/sustainability research would be a plus.
- Ability to understand and assess research on a broad range of topics within the life sciences.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- A keen eye for detail
- Outstanding time-management and organizational skills
- Ability to work collaboratively, with teams across two continents, and deliver against firm deadlines.
- A passion for science, scientific communication and open access.
- Previous editorial experience in assessing research manuscripts and handling manuscripts through peer review is desired, but not required.
The base salary range we’ve established for these positions is (UK) £35,000 - £47,000. PLOS also offers a comprehensive benefits package summarized below.
Benefits
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Personal accident insurance
- Pension with up to 10% employer match
- 25 days holidays, market competitive
- Maternity and Paternity leave
- Birthday and three winter holidays days off
- 2 days paid time off for volunteering per year
- Fully remote work environment with stipend on joining for home office
About PLOS
Building on a strong legacy of pioneering innovation, PLOS continues to be a catalyst in open science, reimagining models to meet open science principles, removing barriers and promoting inclusion in knowledge creation and sharing, and publishing research outputs that enable everyone to learn from, reuse and build upon scientific knowledge. Our work is supported by a highly skilled global in-house team, partnerships with local scholarly organizations, and the valued contributions of a diverse, international community of scientific researchers.
We’re committed to equal opportunity. We’re working to create a more equitable system of scientific knowledge and understanding. Removing barriers to inclusion and facilitating broad participation of voices is core to our success, inside and out. Beyond accepting distinct perspectives, we seek and support divergent backgrounds among our staff because we know differences strengthen our teams, our work, and our communities. We strongly encourage applicants of all identities to join us as we work towards a future where science is open to all, for all.
Visit plos.org/careers to learn more.
PLOS Biology Associate Editor- FTC employer: PLOS
Contact Detail:
PLOS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PLOS Biology Associate Editor- FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with PLOS Biology and its mission. Understanding their commitment to open science will help you align your passion for scientific communication with their goals, making you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the scientific community by attending relevant conferences or webinars. Engaging with researchers and editors can provide insights into the editorial process and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal skills by actively participating in discussions on platforms like ResearchGate or LinkedIn. This demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively with the scientific community, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider writing a blog or contributing to online forums about topics in molecular cell biology or plant science. This not only highlights your expertise but also showcases your enthusiasm for scientific communication, making you stand out as a candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace PLOS Biology Associate Editor- FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in editorial roles or scientific communication. Emphasise your PhD and any post-doctoral experience, as well as your expertise in molecular cell biology.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and PLOS's mission. Detail your interest in open science and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Associate Editor position.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent written and oral communication skills are crucial, ensure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and demonstrate your ability to engage with the scientific community.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Mention any experience working collaboratively across teams or continents. This is important for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse groups in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at PLOS
✨Show Your Passion for Open Science
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for open science and how it aligns with PLOS's mission. Share any relevant experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible to all.
✨Highlight Your Editorial Experience
Even if you don't have extensive editorial experience, discuss any relevant skills or experiences that relate to assessing research manuscripts or handling peer reviews. This could include academic writing, reviewing papers, or collaborating on publications.
✨Demonstrate Interpersonal Skills
Since the role involves interacting with the scientific community, be prepared to showcase your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or engaged with researchers in the past.
✨Prepare for Questions on Time Management
Given the fast-paced nature of the role, be ready to discuss how you manage your time and prioritise tasks. Provide specific examples of how you've met deadlines in previous roles or projects, especially when working collaboratively across different teams.